protector

noun

pro·tec·tor prə-ˈtek-tər

Synonyms of protector

: one that protects : guardian

: a device used to prevent injury : guard

: one having the care of a kingdom during the king's minority : regent

: the executive head of the Commonwealth of England, Scotland, and Ireland from 1653 to 1659

called also Lord Protector of the Commonwealth

protectorship

prə-ˈtek-tər-ˌship

noun

Examples of protector in a Sentence

She sees her older brother as her protector. a protector of free speech

Recent Examples on the Web

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

No two tales of what happened to Maelor after his knight protector was shot dead agree, but the young boy was also slain on the bridge, perhaps torn apart by the mob who assailed him, arguing over what to do with the young prince. — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026 Blind side protector of Jayden Daniels could miss large part of season after suffering a torn triceps plus other takeaways from Week 2 of training camp. — Tashan Reed, Washington Post, 8 Aug. 2026 Layered on top is rhetoric, from the highest levels of government, that casts career scientists as adversaries rather than protectors. — Daniel Jernigan, STAT, 7 Aug. 2026 The Jets drafted Armand Membou to be one of their quarterback’s protectors. — Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 6 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for protector

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler

The first known use of protector was in the 14th century

See more words from the same century

Cite this Entry

Style

“Protector.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/protector. Accessed 12 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

protector

noun

pro·tec·tor prə-ˈtek-tər

: a person or thing that protects or is intended to protect

: a person who takes charge of a kingdom while the king or queen is too young to rule : regent

protector

noun

Synonyms of protector

Examples of protector in a Sentence

Word History

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protector

noun

Synonyms of protector

Examples of protector in a Sentence

Word History

Phrases Containing protector

Rhymes for protector

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

More from Merriam-Webster on protector

More from Merriam-Webster

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